Alabama TV presenter Gordon Burns, also known as “Country Boy Eddie”, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2023. He was aged 92.
Burns died of natural causes. his family had announced his death in a statement.
“He was a trailblazer for both the Alabama music and television scenes, and his contributions will continue to live on,” the statement reads.”
Burns was famous for hosting The Country Boy Eddie Show with Country Boy Eddie, a talent show for upcoming musicians. The show ran from 1957 to 1993, and gave the likes of Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe and Emmy Lou Harris their breakthroughs in music.
Burns had taught himself how to play the fiddle from age 10.
Burns served briefly in the US Army during the Korean War, where he sang on the Armed Forces Radio Network.
He eventually played on the Grand Ole Opry program, and with his guitar, banjo, bass, mouth harp and accordion, he wowed his TV audience.
Burns also played host on the radio program ‘Hillbilly Bandstand’, before he moved to Channel 13.
In 2001, Burns received the Media Award from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
He was married to his wife, Edwina, and together they had a son named Doyle, and three grandchildren.